New Treasures in Honolulu

Looking for a unique gift or colorful new outfit? Check out the just-opened imports store, Himalayan Treasure, in University Square. “I want to show real, high-quality handicrafts from Nepal,” says owner Shree Gopal Shrestha.

Shrestha began his retail experience in Katmandu, dealing in thangka, a style of Tibetan silk painting that features Buddhist religious or mythological themes. After getting involved with international gift shows, he wound up traveling to Hawaii. “I’ve been coming for 11 years,” he says, and felt there was enough interest in goods from the Himalayan region to open a store here.

I honed in on the clothing, such as the flowing cotton tops, cheery scarves and felt headbands, but there are also bigger-ticket items, such as antique Tibetan furniture and Buddhist art. All are authentic from the Himalayas, Shrestha notes. He also has statues, reproductions of antique furniture and several cases filled with cool jewelry.

Shrestha says the store seems to appeal to three kinds of people: Buddhists, collectors of art and furniture, and people into yoga and other kinds of alternative healing, who come for items like the singing bowls.

Be sure to check out the pashmina shawls, as well. “I have the real, Kashmiri pashmina, made from the mountain goat,” he says, and also carries 100-percent silk scarves.

Prices range from a $5 trinket, to a $175 pashmina, to $2,000 for furniture. Clothing runs $14 to $50.

Himalayan Treasure is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday, and the store will validate parking in the paid lot in front of the store. 2615 South King Street, Suite A101, 955-5565.